Police Investigating possible connection in string of robberies

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Police say they are investigating a robbery that happened on Market Street, Wednesday night, and another last week on Eastwood Road, as related crimes.

Authorities said a black female with a handgun robbed Cigarette City on Market Street around 7:30 Wednesday night. The suspect demanded cigarettes and left on foot possibly getting into a blue or gray van around the corner.

Last Friday, a clerk was sent to the hospital after he was attacked with hot coffee during a robbery at the Kangaroo on Eastwood Road.

North Kerr Mini Mart attendant Mark Headstrong foiled a robbery in April and said he recognized a familiar face when he saw surveillance photos from the Eastwood Road robbery.

“I know her face 100 percent because we were fighting for half an hour in my store,” Headstrong said.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office arrested Edna Suell, in April, for the attempted robbery at Headstrong’s store. Wilmington Police have not said whether they believe Suell was involved in the two recent robberies, but said they are investigating them as related crimes.